Sunday, December 23, 2007

While reorganizing my posessions I've been running across forgotten relics. As I leave for the family holidays, this artifact seems especially apropos (as well as hilarious). Yes, that's me put in the trash can by my older sister.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Today, I did my holiday duty and went Christmas shopping for my niece and nephew, age 4 and infant. For a brief moment, I thought of getting clothes or shoes (because kid's clothes are the cutest) but then gave myself a mental slap. I'm a children's book author, I've got to support the biz. If I don't buy children's books for children, how can I expect others? Yes, I'm all about setting an example.

I have to admit it's been a while since I've gone shopping in a real store. I tend to do internet shopping; but since I was getting all high and mighty, I realized I should support an independent bookstore as well. So I went into my favorite children's bookstore and...was completely overwhelmed.

There are just so many books out there, crowding and overcrowding the shelves. I went in determined to buy a gem from a no-name upcoming author, but the sheer chaos was disheartening. Suddenly, from the consumer angle, I realized how intimidating it can be to buy a book. The pressure of choosing something age appropriate, reading-level appropriate, taste appropriate for the child, taste appropriate for the parents...suddenly, those cute baby shoes were looking like a good gift choice.

But just as I began to take a step back, I was given an epiphany as a present. I make a living making these books. How is that possible? It was humbling, and the prior feeling of self-righteous pride became one of intense gratitude. Some lovely, kind, patient people must have taken the time to find my books in this mess of a publishing universe,and that's rather a miracle. And one that deserves to be paid forward as a holiday tradition.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Unlike the previous event, I was determined to prepare and prepare well for this. So I was quite proud when the eggs were colored, the cupcakes frosted, the rug vaccuumed and even the bathroom was cleaned. I was so organized that there was enough time for me to paint Maia's name sign and do a write-up on what a Red Egg Party actually isfor those who might not know. This is what I wrote:

The Red Egg and Ginger Party

Customarily, the first big festivity in a Chinese baby’s life is the Red Egg and Ginger Party. This party is given in honor of a baby’s first month or first moon birthday, signifying it welcome to the family. Until a baby had lived a full month it was not considered part of the family. Consequently, the Red Egg and Ginger Party was an especially joyous occasion.

Eggs represent new life and, because of their roundness, harmony while red is, of course, the Chinese color of luck and happiness. So Red Eggs signify a happy and lucky new life, the perfect symbol to welcome a new baby.

New mothers “sit a month” after giving birth. It is only on the first moon birthday that the new mother is allowed to leave her home and rejoin the world. On this occasion, she is given much ginger, thought to contain special nutrients needed to give the mother strength.

So we welcome Maia with red eggs and Ranida with ginger! Like the love for a new baby, these traditions are timeless.

And everything went swimmingly and everyone seemed to have a lovely time, so I guess my preparation paid off. The popular game of the day was "pass the baby." Really, she was passed around a lot. It was like a very slow and mellow game of hot potato. I was suprised she didn't cry from the constant changing of the guards.But of course my favorite game was when the guests left and Luke and I finished the day with some Wii...from which which I emerged victorious.Sorry, Luke, I'd do a lot for you-- paint a mural, help build a basement, throw your child a party...but I can't let you beat me in Wii tennis. That's where I draw the line.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Before the party festivities, Anna gave all the blue rose girls blue rose rings. I particularly like how even though they are all blue roses, they are each different.

It is an interesting coterie that we have formed. When we first began the blue rose girl blog, it was mainly for professional and promotional reasons--but the bonds that formed behind the posts have become stronger than I ever imagined. These were the women that stood by me when I was running on empty, when the suffering was almost too much to bear and waited to catch me when the inevitable finally forced me to fall. These were the women that drove six hours to a foreign city for a funeral; they were the ones who madly rearranged, repainted and removed the horrors from my apartment so that I could return to a true home. These were the women who refused to let me be alone and scheduled their days to be with me; the ones who helped me pick up the pieces of my life, watched me heal, encouraged me to go forward and pushed me to look at my future with hope. They are the ones who are sincerely happy for me when I now feel joy and celebrate with delight anytime life brings me good fortune. These are the women who have taught me what true friendship really is.

I probably shouldn't need a ring to remember that. But, it's a good excuse.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

The Robert's Snow auctions ended on Friday, and even though I was not as involved with the project as before, I decided to continue the tradition of having the end-of-auction celebratory party. But I had a rather distracting week, so when Friday rolled around I had done nothing to prepare for the party except put up the tree.But, lucky for me, I have some amazing friends; and faster than you can say blue rose girls...I had a party spread to be proud of...for my many fine and lovely guests.It was great seeing and speaking to everyone that came; and it reminded me how wonderful a community the children's book industry is and how fortunate I am to be a part of it. But I have to admit, the highlight of the party for me was when Ben (of Little, Brown) challenged me to a game of wii tennis. I think the exact conversation went like this:

Ben: Grace, I'm taking you down. I'm not afraid of you.

Grace: Bring it on, dude.

Ben: Oh yeah, take that!

Grace:I can take that. Can you?

Ben: HA! Got it! Is that the best you can do?

Grace: No, but this is.

Ben: What the *?%$@#* was that? Eeeks! Okay, I take it back, I am scared.

Poor Ben, he didn't realize that even though I may not prepare well for a party, a wii game is something I'm always ready for.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

The Robert's Snow auctions end tomorrow, Friday at 5pm. Even though I have not been as involved in the project this year, it is still quite meaningful to me. In 2005, I wrote this post as the Robert's Snow auctions were beginning. As the 2007 auctions end, I thought I'd repost this as the sentiments are the same.

11/06/05: The auctions have started and I'm curious about the bidding. At the gallery, I heard an offhand comment after Ki-Ki mentioned how unique the snowflakes were. "I guess that's why they're worth so much," someone said.

But their worth really does go beyond the pretty pictures. In all the press, I emphasize the famous names, the exclusivity, the collectability of these snowflakes. Because that's good marketing. No one wants to hear the depressing stuff. But, the sad stuff is what gives these snowflakes a value beyond their starting price.

Bid for everything cancer touches. Bid for the nurses and the doctors who know their words are cold comfort. Bid for the spouses that suddenly realize that "in sickness" and "death do us part" is for real. Bid for the kids who have no hair and are pulled to treatment in a wagon. Bid for the parents who age 10 years in 10 minutes. Bid for the friendships that fade away because people just don't understand or know what to do. Bid for Chad, the boy who lost his father to cancer and flew in from Virginia just to see the snowflakes. Bid for David, an artist that dedicated his snowflake to his brother who died of cancer. Bid for Steve, the volunteer who hand cut all 200 snowflakes with his scroll saw in his garage. Bid for Jon, the computer programmer, who stayed up past 2 AM night after night working on the website. Bid for Robert who sat alone in the infusion center while all the other patients were surrounded by friends and family. Bid for yourself and all the days you'll remember and wish you didn't.

Bid for all of these reasons. Or bid for some them. Or bid for none of them at all. Just bid and know that no matter what you pay, that snowflake is worth so much more.